Ocean And Sun Shirt

To complete this project, you will need:

1. Inks:

• Two colors: yellow and blue (Speedball or xTool brands are recommended)

2. Screen Printing Equipment:

• xTool screen printer

• 2 coated screens

3. Drying Tools (Pick one):

• Hairdryer

• Heat press

• Heat gun

4. Apparel:

• Dark grey shirt

1. Open xTool Creative Space:

• Launch the xTool Creative Space software on your computer.

2. Set Up for Screen Preparation:

• Go to the settings and change the “Process on Flat Surface” option to “Screen Preparation” for correct screen engraving.

• Click “Calibrate Origin” and align the laser to the top right corner of the screen using the on-screen controls for precise alignment.

3. Adjust Engraving Parameters:

• Set the Easy Set parameters to 100% power and 135 speed. These settings are ideal for engraving the screens accurately.

Note: If Air Assist is available and functions correctly, use it. If not, it might cause issues with particles sticking to the mesh.

1. Size Your Design:

Using a Projector (Optional):

• Project the design onto the shirt using a projector for precise placement.

• Mark the design’s projected position with small pieces of tape.

• Measure and adjust the design size in xTools to fit the shirt properly.

Without a Projector:

• If you don’t have a projector, estimate the design size.

• Measure the design area and adjust the size in xTools accordingly.

2. Center the Design:

• Fold the shirt in half vertically to find its center for accurate alignment.

• Mark the center with tape or sticker paper to help with precise placement during printing.

1. Prepare the Screens:

• Use two screens for the multi-color design, one for each color. Make sure each screen is properly set up for engraving.

• Install the frame fixing pieces on the left sides of the first screen.

2. Align and Scale the Designs:

• In xTool Creative Space, check that each design fits within the green engravable area of its respective screen.

• Confirm that each design is mirrored horizontally to ensure correct printing on the shirt.

• Split the design by colors.

3. Start the Engraving Process:

• Press “Calibrate Origin” if not already done and adjust the laser head using the on-screen controls.

• Begin the engraving process by clicking “Process.” The time required will depend on the design size; it typically takes just over an hour per screen.

• For beginners, consider watching a YouTube tutorial on using the xTool Screen Printer.

1. Install the First Engraved Screen:

• Remove the first screen (for the yellow ink) from the laser cutter.

• Securely attach this screen to the screen printer.

2. Prepare the Shirt and Plate:

• Place a sticky mat on the wooden plate of the screen printer to keep the shirt in place.

• Lay the shirt on the mat, making sure it is smooth and free of wrinkles.

3. Align the Shirt:

• Use the adjustment knobs at the bottom of the plate to position the shirt accurately.

• Center the shirt using tape markings for precise alignment.

4. Apply the First Color Ink (Yellow):

• Open the jar of yellow ink and stir it with the spatula.

• Apply a layer of yellow ink to the screen.

• Use a squeegee to spread the ink over the design area on the screen, ensuring it penetrates through effectively.

5. Print and Dry the First Color:

• Lower the screen onto the shirt and drag the squeegee across the design to transfer the yellow ink. Apply even pressure for uniform coverage.

• Lift the screen to check the design. Add more ink if necessary and repeat the process until the design is fully covered.

• Dry the yellow ink using a hairdryer, heat gun, or heat press. Allow it to dry completely, which may take up to 24 hours if air-dried.

6. Switch Screens and Apply the Second Color (Blue):

• Once the yellow ink is dry, remove the yellow screen and install the second engraved screen (for the blue ink) onto the screen printer.

• Repeat the shirt and plate preparation process.

7. Apply the Second Color Ink (Blue):

• Open the jar of blue ink and stir it with the spatula.

• Apply a layer of blue ink to the new screen.

• Use a squeegee to spread the ink over the design area, ensuring it is applied evenly.

8. Print and Dry the Second Color:

• Lower the blue screen onto the shirt and drag the squeegee across the design to transfer the blue ink. Apply consistent pressure for an even print.

• Lift the screen to inspect the design. Apply additional coats if needed and repeat the printing process until the design is vibrant.

• Dry the blue ink using a hairdryer, heat gun, or heat press. Let it dry thoroughly, which may take up to 24 hours if air-dried.

9. Finalize:

• Carefully remove the shirt from the plate to avoid smudging.

• Allow the shirt to dry completely before handling.